Pokémon GO Celebrates Its 9th Anniversary: Event Details and Exciting Features
Pokémon GO is gearing up to celebrate an incredible milestone—its 9th anniversary! From July 1 to July 6, 2025, players will have the opportunity to join in the festivities and enjoy various in-game activities, special Pokémon appearances, and exclusive rewards. This anniversary event promises to be a memorable experience for trainers around the globe. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting celebration!
Event Overview
The Pokémon GO 9th Anniversary Party kicks off on Tuesday, July 1, at 10:00 a.m. and runs until Sunday, July 6, at 8:00 p.m. local time. During this period, trainers can expect a host of new Pokémon debuts, including unique costumed characters that will make their first appearances in the game. Notable additions include Ivysaur and Venusaur, both donning festive party hats, along with Gimmighoul holding a special 9th anniversary coin. Lucky trainers may even encounter shiny versions of these Pokémon throughout the event.
Special Event Bonuses
One of the highlights of the 9th Anniversary Party is the array of bonuses being offered. Trainers can look forward to an increased chance of becoming Lucky Friends, as well as a heightened likelihood of receiving Lucky Pokémon during trades. Moreover, PokéStops may turn gold without requiring a Golden Lure Module, and players will have a better chance of encountering Shiny Pikachu and Shiny Eevee, both wearing unique party hats, through raids.
Additionally, Gimmighoul holding the anniversary coin will feature a special background themed around the celebration. Players can also expect an accelerated increase in friendship levels by opening Gifts, trading Pokémon, or battling together in raids, Gyms, or Trainer Battles. When spinning a PokéStop that has a Golden Lure Module, you may even find 9 or 99—or perhaps even more—Gimmighoul Coins!
Throughout the anniversary celebration, players can find party hats in the wild, which when tapped, will yield item rewards or encounters with specially themed Pokémon. For the first time ever, trainers might have the chance to spot a Shiny Gimmighoul—if luck is on their side!
Limited-Time Bonuses by Date
Mark your calendars, as there are specific dates during the event when unique bonuses will take effect:
From July 1 at 10:00 a.m. to July 3 at 10:00 a.m. local time: Enjoy a 1/2 Egg Hatch Distance when placing Eggs in an Incubator.
From July 3 at 10:00 a.m. to July 5 at 10:00 a.m. local time: Experience 2× XP for catching Pokémon.
- From July 5 at 10:00 a.m. to July 6 at 8:00 p.m. local time: Earn 2× Stardust for catching Pokémon.
Wild Encounters and Raids
During the event, trainers will encounter a variety of Pokémon in the wild more frequently. Expect to see Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, all dressed up in their festive party hats. And for those hoping to add a shiny to their collection, there’s a chance of encountering shiny variants of these beloved Pokémon.
Raids will also feature special Pokémon during the anniversary event. In One-Star Raids, trainers can battle against Pikachu wearing a cake hat and Eevee with a party hat. Again, shiny versions could be available for the lucky few!
Field Research and Timed Research Tasks
Field Research tasks designed specifically for the anniversary will be available, allowing trainers to earn items and encounters with event-themed Pokémon. Completing these tasks could lead to encounters with Gimmighoul holding the anniversary coin, among other rewards.
Moreover, there will be a free Timed Research opportunity, where trainers can unlock exciting rewards, including XP, Stardust, and encounters with event-themed Pokémon like Bulbasaur in a party hat and Gimmighoul with the special coin.
For those looking for even more exclusive content, a ticket for event-exclusive Timed Research is available for just $1.99. This ticket offers rewards such as a Super Incubator, a Max Mushroom, and an encounter with Gimmighoul holding the anniversary coin. Trainers will have the option to purchase and gift this ticket to friends with whom they have achieved a Great Friends level or higher.
It’s important to note that the Timed Research tasks must be completed by Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time, so make sure to claim your rewards on time!
Masterwork Research: Wish Granted
For $4.99, players can delve into a Masterwork Research story titled “Wish Granted,” which rewards trainers with an encounter with a Shiny Jirachi! To gain access to this Masterwork Research, you need to log into Pokémon GO during the anniversary event. Once received, trainers can complete the Masterwork Research at their convenience.
Additionally, ticket holders will enjoy several bonuses during the anniversary event, including doubled durations for Incense, Daily Adventure Incense, and Lucky Eggs.
Special Offers in the Pokémon GO Web Store
To commemorate the 9th anniversary, the Pokémon GO Web Store is introducing the 9th Anniversary Party Ultra Ticket Box. Priced at $4.99, this offer includes a Timed Research ticket, early access to a Party Hat avatar item, along with three bonus Max Potions, three Max Revives, and one Star Piece. Plus, players will earn double Reward Points on eligible purchases made in the store, making it a fantastic opportunity to grab exclusive items.
New Avatar Items and Stickers
During the event, new avatar items will be available for purchase in the in-game shop. Trainers can express their team pride with the Team Valor, Team Mystic, and Team Instinct GO wristbands. Additionally, players will have the chance to collect event-themed stickers by spinning PokéStops, opening Gifts, or purchasing them from the in-game shop.
As the Pokémon GO community gears up for this monumental celebration, trainers are reminded to stay aware of their surroundings and adhere to local health guidelines while playing. With a variety of activities and exciting rewards, the 9th Anniversary Party is set to create lasting memories for players worldwide. Don’t miss out on the fun—join in the festivities and make the most of this incredible event!
